Kirkman News: WEEK of February 5-February 9, 2024.

This is what is happening this week!

READING

Reading:

This week is a big focus on characters.  We will continue to talk about what motivates characters, perception of characters, character attributes and doing all of this by inference.  

Ms. Dreyer is going to come in the afternoon to help us with a Kennedy Center of the Arts lesson on character.  The final lesson of 3 lessons allows the kids to make models of their character using paper art.  We will then put them on bots, in front of a green screen and have our own taped show.  Ms. Dreyer is truly magical with her lessons and the kids love it, plus learn so much!  

Specifically, the learning targets for this week are:

1. Continuing to distinguish between past, present and future tense of verbs.  We will continue to work on regular verbs and adding endings (--ed, -ied, -ing, 

-ies, -s).  We will discuss helping verbs (is learning). And we will start to add irregular verbs (buy, bought, is buying).  We are adding "will" to cover the future tense!

2.  We are adding more prefixes.  The new prefixes (officially per Wonders) are mis- (means bad or wrong), dis- (means not), and pre- (means before).  We are making these words present, past, and future to practice the change in spelling.  Remember, spelling is "encoding words," which is the opposite of "decoding."  Remember to practice with your child reading the words.  Ask them to show you the prefix, the root or main word, and how to add the ending.  They also learn a few more new definitions. 

The words for this week are:

misprint

misread

mistrust

misspell

mistreat

precut

preview

prepaid

preplan

preheat

distrust

discount

dishonest

discover

disable

stairs

rear

where, there, here (remember these are here with a w or t in front)

challenge: prejudge

disconnect

Our vocabulary words for this week are:

agreeable, boomed, appreciate, descendants, population, resources, transportation and vehicle.

On Wednesday, we will start Unit 3, week 5 in the Wonders curriculum.

The new "Essential Question" is "How is each event in history unique?"

We will read "The California Gold Rush," and "Moving America Forward." This will be great as we have begun actively studying states, and keeping track of temperature. My learning target is the kids will be able to visualize and see on the map how the brave gold rush pioneers went west. We will also talk about the advent of the train and how it changed America.

We will  do timelines (which I love! Think history and math!), focus on answering questions by restating and providing evidence, and revisit summarizing and how it helps us understand difficult text! Finally, we will compare the structures of writing (how is a folktale structure different from chronological, non-fiction writing?)

The packet with spelling and verb tense is due on Friday. We will have time in class to complete. The story based on the structure of "My Beautiful Cockroach," will be due on Friday. This may require some revision at home. We worked on it today and we will work on it again tomorrow. I am seeing kids writing without using punctuation! Please help your kids look for and add punctuation when reviewing work.

Math: Monday, Wednesday and Friday's we will officially work on our missions. I took a 3 hour class on teaching fractions and using Frex. Frex is a software product put out by the Reflex people. By taking the class, I was able to get a grant to provide this to the students at no cost for the remainder of the year. I learned that the stronger kids are in fractions in 5th grade, the better prepared they are for Algebra I in middle school. It goes at the student's pace, does have a read aloud feature, and a teaching feature. Kids earn tokens and can open new "games." It uses the research based learning of having students visualize the fraction on a number line. We have introduced parts to whole, and placing fractions on number lines will now contribute to our analysis. Where is it on the number line? This builds number sense. I am excited to see how this goes! Our students are also "rookie testers" and will be giving feedback to the program. The grade 3 standards are covered in Sector 1 (27 missions). If a student is ready, the student can move forward to Sector 2 and Sector 3.

Today, the lesson in My Math was a review of vocabulary and putting the fraction on the numberline. Tomorrow we start equivalent fractions. This is a hard concept. It will take some time to absorb. We will also use manipulatives which mimic what they see on the software.

Keep working on those multiplication facts! Woo hoo! Congratulations to our second student to reach 100% on REFLEX. We also talked about what reflex means- ask your students!

We will continue to hone our skills with perimeter and area. We are introducing measurements as part of science and have covered celsius and fahrenheit.

Science/Social Studies:

We continue to look at weather! Each morning, each student will look up the temperature of the capitol of the individual state, via the internet, record the temperature on a line graph in celsius and in fahrenheit, and note the wind speed. They are beginning to study the state and will work toward a slide show program where they will be able to add their computerized graphs at a later date.

Social studies will continue to be looked at in combination with reading and in our "changemaker" studies. Tomorrow is Rosa Parks!

Read a-loud: We should finish "How to Eat Fried Worms," by mid-next week. We must have worm pudding cups to celebrate!

Next read a-loud is "The BFG." We will continue to read Patricia Polacco intermittently through the third quarter.

PE/MUSIC: Dance, dance, dance! It is a PVE tradition for the entire grade to come together for one week to learn and practice dances. Having my children learn from Ms. Peterson and Mr. Johnson, they are confident dancers to all the dances. At my son's wedding, I overheard him giving credit to all the dances he learned at PVE. I love how this is done and the energy it creates.

REMEMBER the Me and You Under the Sea Dance is Friday night the 9th! Buy your tickets for the basket drawings. They look fantastic. They are $1/each or 6 for $5. (We are talking about chance and ratios with respect to the more tickets, the bigger chance? Is that always true? When is it not true?) There is an admission price to the dance. If finances are hard, reach out to me so we can help! EVERYONE is welcome and we want lots of participation. There will be great things to bid on- including going to the movie with me and one of your friends on a Saturday afternoon. I'm thinking "Kung Fu Panda?" I'm also buying lunch! Ms. Ledington is doing the same and maybe we can all go together? Every student who is a student at PVE will get 1 ticket at no cost. For each item donated, your student will receive 1 ticket. Thank you so much for all of your participation. I love our PTO!

Upcoming tests:

Spelling Friday

Timed Multiplication Wednesday

MAZE Wednesday

Unit 5, week 3/4 assessment Wednesday

I'm meeting with Ms. Ledington on Wednesday during library/counseling to talk about scheduling Anasazi Day!

AND the Golden Ticket reward for multiplication done over winter break will be Friday at lunch time!

Valentine's Day party is February 14.

Thank you for reading this long message! So much to do. I am grateful for your patience while I have been healing. I have some way to go, but am so very optimistic!

As always, if you have concerns, questions, or feedback, please send me an email and we will talk.

For those Superbowl fans....

I can't decide between Chiefs and 49ers..........I think I will be rooting for the 49ers and their quarterback Mr. Irrelevant. We talked about this in class. Last one in the draft, now going to the Superbowl two years later. And what's not to love about Christian McCaffrey?

Have a great week!

Lisa Kirkman

I am thankful for every one of my kids (really your kids, but they are deep in my heart and I care about them and their learning!). I am thankful for all of you and the support you give. Please, always, reach out if you have a concern!

Remote Learning Schedule:

7:45-8:00  Organize learning space, turn on computer/device, log into our Google Meet.  The link is on my Google Classroom Stream Page right under the class title “Grade 3 Rolley 20-21”, and posted on the stream page, and was sent in an email to parents.

Students will not be allowed into the google meet until I have logged in first. Please make sure  your computer has a full battery charge each day!

 Make sure to have all materials and books ready for the day! - 3 Remote Learning Packets (green, blue, brown), Reading Book, Reading Workbook, Math workbook, Homework Folder, Planner, Writing Journal, lined paper, white board, expo markers and eraser, sharp pencils, red pen, and highlighter.

8:00 - 8:15   Click on Google meet and be ready for Attendance and Morning Meeting

8:15 - 9:00         Reading 

9:00 - 9:20 Movement Break and Snack

9:20 -10:00 Literacy Block-  Daily Oral Language, Grammar, Writing, and Spelling

10:00-10:30 Movement Break and Read Aloud

10:30-11:20 Small Groups and Independent Work

11:20 -11:45 Math

11:45-12:15 Lunch  Break  (Off Computer)

12:15 - 12:45 Finish Math  and ALECKS Tues and Thurs.

12:45-1:15         Planner/Finish Math/Homework Wed and Friday

Social Studies Tues and Thurs.

1:15-1:55       Specials: Tues - Art, Wed- PE, Thurs - Art, Fri -PE

                          Mrs.Foster and Mr. Johnson will join our google meet!  

2:00-2:45 Online school ends- Google Meet Open - Teacher available for questions and 

homework help!

Thank you for your flexibility and support during remote learning! We are all in this together!

News Update!

We are going Remote from Jan 6-15. Students will return to in person learning on Tues. Jan 19 after MLK Day.  Please read the remote learning suggestions below to help your child's learning during these 8 days! 

Review your child’s schedule and other important information with them ahead of time.

set a morning routine so they can be logged on and ready to learn by the time school begins. Together, create a visual daily schedule to help them stay on track (be sure to include much needed breaks).

Make sure your computer has a camera and microphone. This makes “live” sessions with their classroom teacher possible. 

Encourage your child to seek help from their teacher if they are struggling with logging on and/or navigating the remote learning platform.

Keep it simple. Don’t feel pressured to “teach.” 

Designate a quiet, calm work station for each child, such as their own corner in a shared space. This helps to minimize background noise, distractions, and interruptions during live learning time. This can help with the transition to “learning mode.” Identify another separate area for breaks or downtime. 

Have school supplies readily available in their work station. 

Headphones or earbuds may be helpful to block out background noise and assist with concentration. 

Remind your child that remote learning is an expectation, not a choice, and their responsibility.  Students can’t just walk away or choose not to participate during non-preferred learning times of the remote learning school day.

Remind your child that work completion and work quality matters during remote learning.  Student work will be evaluated and grades will be assigned. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me, our front office staff, or your child’s teacher if we can be of any assistance during remote learning. 

Use the Student Resource icon on our PVE General Links page to assist you in navigating Google Classroom and Chrome! 

News- 12/14-12/17

Happy Holidays!! 

We have an exciting 4 days planned for this week!  Remember Friday is a teacher work day so no students on Friday.  Thank you to everyone for signing up and sending in supplies for our winter party!  Our parties are not the same without you!!!  I wish you all a wonderful, safe, and relaxing break with lots of laughter and family time!!

This week is spirit week with a holiday theme! 

 Monday is Hat Day

Tuesday is Red/White/Green Day

 Wednesday is Winter Wonderland Day- wear blue and white

Thursday is Ugly Sweater/Holiday Sweater Day

News- 12/07-12/11

Our play, Pushing Up the Sky, was fantastic!  Students can be so proud of all of their hard work memorizing lines, making the set, and bringing props! We will be sending the video ASAP. 

Ready Yetis are ready to roll and finish strong this quarter before Winter Break!

Here is our class schedule for this week! We start Tuesday!

7:45-8:00  Organize learning space, turn on computer/device, log into our Google Meet.  The link is on my Google Classroom Stream Page right under the class title “Grade 3 Rolley 20-21”

Students will not be allowed into the google meet until I have logged in first. Please make sure  your computer has a full battery charge each day!

 Make sure to have all materials and books ready for the day! - Reading Book, Reading Workbook, Math workbook, Homework Folder, Planner, Writing Journal, lined paper, white board, expo markers and eraser, sharp pencils, red pen, and highlighter.

8:00 - 8:15   Click on Google meet and be ready for Attendance and Morning Meeting- Remember to mute yourself!

8:15 - 9:00 Reading 

9:00 - 9:20 Movement Break and Snack

9:20 -10:00 Literacy Block-  Daily Oral Language, Grammar, Writing, and Spelling

10:00-10:30 Movement Break and Read Aloud

10:30-11:20 Small Groups and Independent Work

11:20 -11:45 Math

11:45-12:15 Lunch  Break  (Off Computer) Make sure to eat a healthy lunch and get some movement! Outside is best!

12:15 - 12:45 Finish Math  and ALECKS Tues and Thurs.

12:45-1:15 Planner/Finish Math/Homework Wed and Friday

Social Studies Tues and Thurs.

1:15-1:55 Specials: Tues - Art, Wed- PE, Thurs - Art, Fri -PE

                  Mrs.Foster and Mr. Johnson will join our google meet!  

2:00-2:45 Online school ends- Google Meet Open - Teacher available for questions and 

homework help!

Thank you for your flexibility and support during remote learning! We are all in this together!

Math: Chapter 5 - Division!

WE have begun Division, but multiplication and division go together!- GET OUT THOSE FLASH CARDS AND Study MULTIPLICATION FACTS!

Students can also practice multiplication on  ALECKS QUICKTABLES AND XTRA MATH...BOTH ACCESSED ON OUR GENERAL LINKS PAGE!

WE WILL HAVE TIMED TESTS ON WEDNESDAYS- GOAL IS TO COMPLETE 100 PROBLEMS IN 5 MINUTES-  Students will retake the same timed test  each week until they pass that fact.  Several students have now passed their 2s , 3s, 4s,  and are onto their 5s!

Schedule is approximate!  Things can change!

Mon:  Chapter 5- Lesson 2- Division as Equal Sharing- Homework (HW) p. 255-256

Tues: Lesson 3 - Relate Division and Subtraction- HW p. 261-262

Wed: Lesson 4- Hands on- Division and Multiplication- HW p. 269-270

Thurs: Lesson 5- Inverse Operations- HW p. 275-275

Fri: Lesson 6- Problem Solving- HW done in class!

• Please check your child's homework for accuracy.  Support them to get the correct answers.  Doing an entire assignment incorrectly is a huge waste of time!!

•   Math Homework is always due the next day. Please do not have your child work ahead. 

• If your child needs a challange, there are lots of challenging math games online, including our PVE website under useful links!  

• Doing ALECKS AT HOME IS A WAY TO STRENGTHEN MATH  FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING AND FOR STUDENTS WHO NEED A CHALLENGE-THIS PROGRAM IS SPECIFICALLY TAYLORED TO YOUR CHILD'S MATH NEEDS!

• Kahn academey is another great resource!! Practicing addition/subtraction and multiplication math facts is essential for a solid math foundation! 

• If your child is struggling with the homework to the point of frustration, have your child stop and then you can write me a note in their planner or on the homework itself.  We can then discuss strategies and modifications that can help!

• 
  
• SPELLING WORDS- Consonant Diagraphs- /sh/ , /th/, /f/, /ch/, /ng/ 

• father, chapter, other, alphabet, watch, English, weather, catch, fashion, shrink, pitcher, flash, athlete, trophy, nephew. 

Challenge words/ Extra Credit only: 

northern, establish, emphasis, hyphen, challenge

SEE PLANNER FOR LIST - Test on Friday

Our service project partner school food drive contributions may continue to come in through Thursday.  We have labeled bins outside of our school's front doors where parents can just drop off food and we will be bringing those donations inside on a daily basis.

News- 11/5-11/13

Novemember is Gratitude Month!  Ready Yetis have been learning about the importance of gratitude and grit!  I am so proud of how well this class works together, is respectful and kind, and knows how to work hard and play hard! Look for your child's ABC Gratitude Poem in their Friday folders!

News for Week of 10/26

Spelling and X3 test on Wednesday

Fall Party Wednesday- see email for costume protocol

Report Cards and Data Scores sent home on Wednesday in a manilla envelope - Please review and have with you for Parent/Teacher Conference

Report Card envelopes need to be signed and returned on Monday.

No school Thursday or Friday for Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences! Students do not attend this 1st quarter conference.  

A link will be sent  to you for your conference.  Please click the link at your conference time and not before.  You will be in a waiting room until I can allow you into your conference.  Cross our fingers!  If there are any glitches and you miss your conference or are late due to technology issues, we can schedule another time asap!  I am open Friday! Looking forward to meeting with all of you!

About Me

Originally from San Diego, California, I graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Psychology and a K-6 Teaching Credential.   I began my teaching career in preschool and  then taught first/second grades for 6 years in the Poway Unified School District.  After earning a Master's Degree, I moved to colorful Colorado and taught 3rd and 4th grades at Cheyenne Mountain Elementary for the past 20 years! Excited for a change, I recently subbed in D12 for a year and most of my year was at PVE in Mrs. House's 2nd grade class! I am truly honored to get to teach 3rd grade this year and look forward to working with PVE's Village of wonderful staff, supportive parents, and amazing students!

I have two incredible sons who actually went to PVE K-6 grade! Dylan recently graduated from CSU in Environmental Geology,  and Blake is a senior at UCCS in the ROTC program majoring in Business.  We love our 15 year old Boxer mix, Sandy Eggo, and our pure, black cat named Kono.  

I love all things water and outdoors!  From surfing, diving, kayaking, and  paddleboarding to snowboarding, hiking, and camping with my husband, my favorite place to be is outside! I also enjoy reading, learning, writing in my journal, hanging out with my friends and family, and watching movies!  My true passion, however,  is teaching kids! I am thrilled to continue my career at PVE and look forward to this next school year!

I Believe.......

My personal beliefs about students and learning are the core of who I am as a teacher. 

I value ALL children and believe they ALL can learn if given the opportunity.

It is my mission as a teacher to provide all students with a safe, loving environment and to share my  excitement and passion for learning and for personal growth.

Being connected to my students emotionally is first and foremost.  I believe my students will remember more about how I made them feel, than what I taught them.

My classroom is a safe place for kids to be themselves, make mistakes, to learn, and to grow. 

I  hope to capture kids' hearts with my energy, passion, lots of humor, and my ability to laugh at myself.

I model for them the power of yet, mindfulness, and positive thinking, which I practice in my personal life as well.

Respect, responsibility, effort, positive attitude, cooperation, and honesty are also taught, valued, and celebrated every day.

I provide rigorous learning opportunities for every child and challenge them to give their personal best. 

I believe teaching is not just a job; it’s a calling, and  I am truly humbled and honored to be a teacher!